replacing headgasket, leave the in/ex intakes on?

jethrobodean · Post by **jethrobodean** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 10:53 pm

I need to replace the head gasket because of a oil weep. I want to make this as easy as possible. Can I just unhook the exhaust pipe and leave the intake and exhaust manifold attached to the head and pull all as one unit? or do I have to dismantle them both from the head? Also I need to check my tranny fluid, What size hex wrench is needed to get the plug out?

Vincent Waldon · Post by **Vincent Waldon** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 11:10 pm

Most folks find it easiest to pull the head intact with the manifolds attached.... particularly if you're not planning to disassemble the head further.

The tranny plug is 17mm hex.... some folks just double-nut a 17mm bolt, but the right tool is always a joy.

surfcam · Post by **surfcam** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 11:23 pm

Your on track with taking the head off it off the easiest way. There's something that will fit in there. Maybe a wheel bolt. Woops that might be the tranny level check hole.

Vincent Waldon · Post by **Vincent Waldon** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 11:25 pm

surfcam wrote:Maybe a wheel bolt. Woops that might be the tranny level check hole.

Yup... that's a 17mm and will do both the drain and fill/check hole with a couple of double-nuts attached.

82vdub · Post by **82vdub** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 11:55 pm

You may find that with both manifolds on the head, it's heavy enough to have issues easily installing the head. If that's the case, then you can simply remove the intake and leave the exhaust attached to the head to remove some weight. If you find you have 11mm head bolts, use studs with your reassemble. And, double check to make sure your block deck and head surface are flat.

bscutt · Post by **bscutt** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 10:13 am

I did mine with manifolds attached, it's definitely heavy but less trouble than trying to get all those little allen bolts out in my opinion, at least with my big hands. Get a helper if you can so when you put it back on you don't drop it and damage the new head gasket

Post by **Fatmobile** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 3:28 pm

I vote:
remove the intake.

It'll make it a bit lighter and
it won't fight with the raintray when using alignment pins (old headbolts cut and slotted) longer than 3/4"

Remember to look closely at how the headgasket sits when centered,
how the edges line up.
Before you put the head on,
and try to make sure it's the same after the head is sat down.
The head gasket can move around some,.. I've taken one apart and could see where the piston was hitting the gasket.

Quantum-man · Post by **Quantum-man** » Fri Apr 02, 2010 5:49 pm

I vote to leave both manifolds on. Why?
Well:
1) convenience of less bolts to undo.

2) You are taking the head off because of an oil leak, and therefore you either have gasket failure, or gasket failure and a little warpage/corrosion of the head.

If the latter is true then, by removing the manifolds, lightly skimming, and then reassembling the manifolds can, possibly, add new warpage to the head IMO.
Therefore assuming all bolts are tight on manifolds, they hold the head correctly in it's final 'natural' shape. Skim by hand on emery and several layers of plate glass, and a perfect skim can take place.

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